Michael Turner
Immediate directive: transport the motor unit, bottles, tubing and removable batteries in carry-on. Installable lithium-ion cells should be removed when possible and carried inside the cabin with terminals taped or in original retail packaging. Spare cells and power banks must remain in the cabin; airlines follow IATA/ICAO limits for transport of lithium batteries.
Battery limits and calculation: cells up to 100 Wh are normally allowed in carry-on without prior authorization; cells between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline permission; cells over 160 Wh are generally forbidden. Use Wh = V × Ah to calculate capacity (example: a 7.4 V, 2 Ah battery = 14.8 Wh). Keep manufacturer labels or documentation available for verification.
Security screening and liquids: expressed milk and medication-size quantities of fluid for infant care are exempt from the 3.4 oz rule at US and many international checkpoints but must be declared at the checkpoint. Expect hand inspection or X-ray screening; request a private inspection if preferred. Carry clearly labeled containers and a short note from a clinician when traveling internationally to reduce disputes at foreign checkpoints.
Packing technique for transit: disassemble the device, wrap the motor in a hard-sided case, place small parts in sealed bags, and stow tubing and flanges to prevent deformation. Use frozen gel packs or dry ice alternatives for chilled milk–gel packs must be solid at screening; on long flights, insulated coolers with ice packs are preferred. Label the case as a medical device and keep cleaning supplies accessible.
Airline and destination checks: verify the carrier’s medical-device policy before departure, especially for battery-operated units and international routes. If the device contains a non-removable or high-capacity battery, contact the airline to obtain written permission. Consider travel insurance or registering serial numbers in case of loss or damage during transit.
Storing a Nursing Device in the Aircraft Hold
Recommendation: Transport the nursing device inside the cabin whenever possible; if stowing in the aircraft hold is unavoidable, apply the following technical, safety and documentation measures.
Battery rules (specific): Spare lithium-ion cells are forbidden in the aircraft hold and must travel in the cabin. Cells with up to 100 Wh are generally permitted without airline approval; cells >100 Wh and ≤160 Wh require airline approval and still must be carried in the cabin; cells >160 Wh are prohibited for passenger transport. Calculate watt-hours using Wh = V × Ah (example: 14.8 V × 6.6 Ah = 97.7 Wh). Confirm the rating printed on the battery or in the device manual before departure.
If the unit will be placed in the hold: remove any spare batteries and carry them aboard; if the main battery is removable, take it into the cabin as well. Power the device off, protect exposed contacts with electrical tape or original terminals cover, and cushion the unit inside a hard-sided case with at least 3–4 cm of foam or layered clothing on all sides. Place the case in the center of checked baggage away from sharp objects and liquids.
Fluids and expressed milk transport: avoid placing expressed human milk in the hold due to uncontrolled temperature and risk of spoilage. If the milk must travel in checked baggage, freeze solid beforehand and use a rigid insulated cooler with approved phase-change packs; label contents and accept that thawing is possible. Carry medical documentation to facilitate screening at the gate for cabin carriage of larger liquid quantities.
Labeling, documentation and airline coordination: carry a copy of the device manual showing battery specs, a clinician’s note or prescription if relevant, and photographs of serial numbers and condition. For batteries >100 Wh obtain written airline approval prior to travel. Inform the check-in agent about medical equipment being stowed and request a fragile tag and handling notation.
Additional practical steps: separate small parts (tubes, valves, shields) into sealed resealable bags, fasten cords with twist-ties, pad moving parts, and insure against loss or damage if the device will be in checked baggage. Verify destination country rules for import of medical devices and organic milk before departure.
Which carriers and security agencies permit milk-extraction devices in hold baggage and required paperwork
Present a physician’s letter, the device manual and battery information at check-in and security; most U.S., European, Canadian and major international carriers permit milk-extraction devices in stowed baggage while enforcing lithium-battery and liquid restrictions.
Airport security authorities – rules and screening
TSA (United States): medical devices and medically necessary liquids are exempt from the 3.4 oz rule; declare the item at the checkpoint, show a physician’s note if possible, and allow additional screening. Spare lithium batteries are prohibited in the cargo hold and must be carried in the cabin with terminals taped or in original packaging.
EU / ECAC / UK CAA: security checkpoints accept medical extraction devices and associated milk; present the device and a medical certificate or prescription on request. Expect X-ray inspection and possible hand search; liquids for medical use require declaration and separate screening.
Transport Canada: medical devices allowed in stowed bags but the same lithium-battery rules apply–spares go in the cabin. Staff may request documentation proving medical necessity.
Other national agencies follow similar patterns: device permitted in hold if powered down and batteries follow airline/cargo regulations; bring documentation and be prepared for additional inspection.
Selected airlines – practical notes and documentation to show
American Airlines, Delta, United: permitted in stowed baggage with battery removal; spare lithium batteries must be carried in the cabin. Recommended to present a physician’s letter, product manual, and a purchase receipt at check-in if questioned.
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic: allowed in hold bags if powered off; airline policy requires batteries be transported in the cabin. Bring a doctor’s note and printout of the manufacturer’s battery guidance.
Air Canada, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM: accept medical extraction devices in stowed baggage; label the case as medical equipment and carry a translation of medical documentation for non-English-speaking airports.
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qantas: permitted but subject to local inbound security rules; airline notification at least 24–48 hours prior to departure is recommended. Provide a physician’s statement and the manufacturer’s specifications for batteries.
Universal checklist to present at check-in and security: physician’s letter on clinic or hospital letterhead with diagnosis and necessity; device user manual or manufacturer specification page showing battery type; original or electronic purchase receipt; clear labeling of the case as “medical device – milk extraction”; insulated/gel packs documentation if frozen milk is carried. Spare lithium batteries must travel in the cabin with terminals taped or in original packaging; installed batteries should follow airline guidance.
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How to transport batteries, power banks and electric chargers under TSA and airline lithium-battery rules
Store all spare lithium-ion cells and power banks in carry-on baggage only; terminals must be insulated and capacity limits observed: ≤100 Wh allowed without airline approval, 100–160 Wh allowed with airline approval (maximum two spares), >160 Wh prohibited.
Determine capacity from the manufacturer label. If only mAh and voltage are given, calculate watt-hours as Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V. Examples: a 3.7 V, 10,000 mAh bank = 37 Wh; a 3.7 V, 20,000 mAh bank = 74 Wh; a 7.4 V, 2,700 mAh battery = 19.98 Wh.
For lithium-metal cells the limit is 2 grams of lithium content per cell; these are treated separately from lithium-ion and are allowed in cabin only, subject to quantity limits set by the carrier.
Terminal protection methods: keep cells in original manufacturer packaging, use plastic terminal caps, wrap terminals with non-conductive tape, or place each cell/power bank in a separate plastic pouch. Prevent contact with keys, coins or other metallic objects.
Devices with installed batteries may be transported in the aircraft hold depending on the airline, but spare/uninstalled batteries and power banks must remain in cabin baggage. Chargers without an internal battery (AC adapters) are acceptable in either cabin or hold.
Any battery showing damage, swelling, leakage or a history of thermal events is forbidden for transport. Faulty units must be removed and disposed of before travel according to local hazardous-waste guidance.
For items between 100 and 160 Wh obtain written airline approval before travel and present it at check-in. Limit for such spare batteries: no more than two per passenger. If no Wh rating is visible, request manufacturer documentation or avoid carriage.
Labeling and documentation: keep manufacturer labels visible and carry a copy of technical specs when possible. At security screening present power banks separately for inspection when requested; most TSA checkpoints will ask to remove external batteries from carry-on for X-ray.
When organizing multiple batteries, place them in a hard-sided case or a dedicated compartment inside the carry-on to prevent movement and short circuits. Do not store spare cells in garment pockets or loose inside bags.
Protecting milk-extraction parts and preventing leakage for items placed in the aircraft hold
Seal every milk-collection component in triple-layer leakproof barriers, enclose the bundle inside a rigid crush-resistant case lined with foam, and position that case in the aircraft hold.
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Disassemble and dry:
- Remove all silicone valves, membranes, and tubing; allow to air-dry 30–60 minutes on a clean rack to eliminate trapped moisture that can freeze or expand.
- Store tiny parts in labeled 3″ x 4″ resealable bags to avoid loss; place a desiccant packet in each bag.
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Liquid handling (fresh or frozen milk):
- Use medical-grade breast-milk storage containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave 1–1.5″ headspace if freezing to allow expansion.
- Seal caps with a layer of plastic wrap across the opening, screw cap tightly, then wrap thread junction with PTFE plumber’s tape or two turns of food-grade stretch film to form a secondary mechanical seal.
- Double-bag sealed bottles in gallon-size freezer zipper bags; press out air and use a handheld vacuum sealer if available.
- If transporting frozen blocks to reduce leakage risk, freeze flat in heavy-duty bags, label date/volume, then insulate with gel packs inside the hard case.
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Protecting plastic parts and assemblies:
- Place each flange, connector and motor housing in its own small zip bag; bundle functional sets together to prevent cross-contamination.
- Wrap delicate items in 2–3 layers of bubble wrap (minimum 3/16″ bubbles) and foam sheeting; secure with non-residue painter’s tape.
- Use cable ties to immobilize tubing coils and prevent snags.
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Rigid case and internal layout:
- Choose a hard-shell case (Pelican-style, small toolbox or tackle box) with internal foam or cut foam inserts to create snug cavities for bottles and the motor unit.
- Leave 0.25–0.5″ clearance around each item for foam compression; avoid tight bending of tubing that could stress seals.
- For custom wooden dividers or a DIY insert, reference a straight-board cutting guide such as how to cut dog ear fence boards to create precise partitions.
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Absorbent and leak control layering:
- Line the bottom of the case with 2–3 thick disposable nursing pads or a folded microfiber towel as a first-line leak absorber.
- Place a secondary sealed absorbent pad (underpad) between layers of equipment to capture any unexpected seepage.
- Include a small roll of heavy-duty kitchen paper and zip-lock spare bags for emergency clean-up during transit.
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External sealing and identification:
- Wrap the closed hard case with a tamper-evident cable tie or security seal; attach a clear label stating “Perishable – Milk” and display contact details.
- Apply “Fragile” stickers and mark the desired orientation with arrows to reduce inversion risk by baggage handlers.
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Final checks before handover:
- Verify all caps are tightened, all bags are double-sealed and desiccants are present.
- Weigh the case; distribute heavy bottles near the base to lower center of gravity and reduce in-transit movement.
- Where possible, keep high-value items (motor, batteries) in cabin carry-on instead of the aircraft hold.
Materials checklist to prepare in advance: heavy-duty freezer bags (gallon), small resealable bags (3″ x 4″), PTFE tape or stretch film, desiccant packets, bubble wrap, foam sheets or pick-and-pluck foam, hard-shell case, absorbent underpads, security seals, permanent marker and gel packs if transporting frozen milk.
Steps if a nursing device is lost, delayed or damaged and how to prepare a backup plan
File a Property Irregularity Report at the airline desk immediately; obtain the PIR/reference number, written confirmation, agent name, direct contact details and a copy of the baggage tag or receipt.
Immediate actions on arrival
Photograph the item, serial number and visible damage; retain boarding pass, bag tag and gate-check receipts; request a written damage report from the carrier before leaving the terminal. If items are missing from a held bag, list contents with approximate values on the carrier’s form. Ask the agent for the expected search timeline and any interim delivery service to the hotel or local address.
If theft or suspicious handling is suspected, file a police report at the airport or local station and add the report number to the carrier claim file.
Documentation and claims process
Collect original purchase receipt, warranty documentation, photos, PIR number, boarding pass and bag tag. Submit a written claim to the carrier within the timeframe commonly required by major airlines: damage claims typically within 7 days of arrival; delayed/missing-items claims commonly within 21 days. Include model, serial number, purchase date, replacement cost and desired resolution (repair, replacement or refund). Keep copies of every communication and receipts for replacement purchases.
For damaged electrical units, obtain an estimate from an authorized service center and forward it with photos. For cosmetic damage where function is unaffected, request documented inspection from the carrier to support a claim.
Check travel insurance and credit-card baggage coverage ASAP; submit insurer claims using the same documentation. Note insurer deadlines and required forms; claims often require receipts and the carrier’s PIR.
Escalate to the carrier’s customer-relations department if no substantive reply within 7–14 days; keep a concise log of calls, dates and names. If the flight was international, reference the applicable international carriage rules when pursuing reimbursement.
When reimbursement or replacement is approved, request written confirmation of the settlement amount, delivery timeline and any tax or customs handling for cross-border shipments.
Practical backup plan before travel
Carry a compact manual expressor or non-electric collection system in the cabin bag along with extra collection bottles, sealing lids and spare tubing or flanges for common-fit models; store spare batteries or an approved battery pack in the cabin bag as well. Register the device serial number with the manufacturer and save a digital photo of the receipt and warranty to cloud storage for immediate access.
Locate rental or loan services at the destination–hospital lactation units, medical supply stores and local breastfeeding support groups often lend or rent devices and parts. Pre-identify nearby repair shops or authorized service centers at the destination city and save their contact details.
Freeze or express milk ahead of travel when feasible and transport in carry‑on coolers following airline and security guidelines for liquids and bio-samples; bring extra insulated coolers and ice packs as redundancy.
Buy a simple, low-cost manual model as an inexpensive backup to be carried in the cabin bag or shipped ahead to the destination address; retain purchase receipts for potential carrier reimbursement.
Summary checklist to store digitally and in the cabin bag: purchase receipt and serial number photo; manufacturer contact info; spare manual expressor or rental contact; extra bottles and sealing lids; spare batteries allowed in cabin; travel insurance/credit-card claim details; airline PIR and baggage tag copies.
